Daughters of the Nile back in Seattle

The Daughters of the Nile, an organization of women associated with Shriners and Freemasons who raise money for hospitals, are this week having their annual convention in their hometown of Seattle for the first time since 1971.

Friday Muriel V. Knapp, a senior paralegal at Microsoft, will be installed as the organization’s new leader — its Supreme Queen.

Funded in Seattle in 1913, the Daughters of the Nile raise $1.5 million annually for 22 Shriners Hospitals for Children in North America. But the convention is just “a time to have fun,” said longtime member Jean Peterson.

A talent show tonight headlines the festivities. More than 2,200 women will gather at McCaw Hall at 6 p.m. to show off crowns, gowns, and gifts.

As part of her yearlong duties, Knapp will visit all 147 Daughters of the Nile temples in North America. Microsoft has put her on a leave of absence, Peterson said, and donated $10,000 to the organization.